Life in the Dog Park

Time keeps on slippin' slippin' slippin' into the future...

2008-12-15T06:26:00.000-08:00

Sigh - no blog posts for ages.

But my favourite time of year is coming and who better to celebrate it than Honey & Gracie!

Home Sweet Home

2008-09-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

I'm all moved in!

Exhausted but mostly unpacked and now putting finishing touches on things. Hanging pictures, arranging dust collectors, etc.

I'm so glad. It's such a lovely house.

And it's home. A real home. I've missed that. I guess the mini-home never did feel as much like home as this does.

Sigh....such sweet relief.

Green dog knees

2008-08-29T04:31:00.000-07:00

Gracie is such a little kid!

Yesterday I threw the squeaky ball for her & Honey. Actually I had two balls to throw so I alternated and it worked quite well. They ran until they were pantingly exhausted. They are so cute!

Later I was sitting out on one of the sun shelters and Gracie came over. Her knees and feet were totally green from running so hard and having to put the brakes on. I was reminded of a little kid - she has so much joy & enthusiasm.

I'm so looking forward to the long weekend. It's seems like this has been the longest week of my life!

Waiting for the 2nd

2008-08-27T03:37:00.000-07:00

I think I may have mentioned in previous postings that patience is not my long suit. I'm not so good at patience at all.

I want it to be September 2 today! I want to sleep in my new home. I want to start the long hard slog up out of stress-related illness and start feeling better.

I want to wake up in the morning without a headache or churning gut. I want to feel rested even after a series of good nights' sleeps - this just isn't happening right now.

I'm so lucky to have a wonderful place to stay - that keeps me sane. My friend's D&D have a great set up for dogs and I am so lucky that the girls are happy and safe all day. I bathed both of them last night (and Shiraz).

I miss Mitch too....

Happy Dance!

2008-08-25T10:08:00.000-07:00

The cheque has been deposited, the mini-home is sold!

I am actually for the first time in many many years, technically in the black. If I paid off my car loan, I would have no debt until September 2 when our new place closes.

Of course I'm not going to pay my car loan off because it was a good rate and we will have other chunks of money to be sucked out as moving expenses but it's kind of cool to know that for one short week I have a completetly positive balance sheet!

I celebrated with this:

My pal D brought it home from Cabela's for me.

I got some bumpers for the dogs too. (bumpers are training aids for retrievers)

oh fer f*cks sake!

2008-08-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

So I'm looking forward to cashing a big fat cheque today with the proceeds of four year's of living in a mini home that sold for more than I bought it for (as it should!). I'm burbling along, pondering what accounts what money is going in, how I"ll finally pay off my line of credit. How I'm about to start a new life as a fiscally prudent partner to an uber-prudent man.

And then the phone call comes...

Buddy's financing didn't come through! Today? WTF?

So now he's got to try to get financing at another bank and I have to hang for another week or so! This is so f*cking unfair I can't believe it. Nothing, not one little f*cking part of selling and buying a new house has been easy! It's like it's been cursed for some reason.

I want to crawl into a little hole and drink and curl up and cry. It's just all wrong.

Alas no option to wallow in self pity. I get to drive out to my friend's place and play nice with a house full of field triallers(people who run dogs in field trials). At least they all drink!

I may not have the option to hole up alone but at least I can drink!

AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

There's a new kid in town!

2007-11-16T05:55:00.000-08:00

Kelore's "A Touch of Grace" a.k.a. Gracie

I'm afraid...

2007-09-12T04:49:00.000-07:00

I don't know what to do about something that happened on the Labour Day long weekend and I just need somewhere to express it.

Preamble

My next door neighbour's family has experienced a run of bad luck. The main breadwinner was a colleague of mine here at the City. A really nice man. A couple of years ago he had a heart attack. He was ready to come back to work after recovering when they discovered his body was full of cancer. He passed away over a year and a half ago. It was so sad - he was a really nice man. He adored Honey - she used to go over and visit with him while I was at work, in the afternoons. He enjoyed her company.

So his wife was left picking up the pieces of their lives. They have two sons, both intellectually challenged. The older one is more functioning. I hate to say it but he has always given me the heebie-jeebies. He would stare at me, even go so far as to sit on his deck and watch me cut the grass. I'd see him peering in through my windows. And he seemed so full of anger at times. There were times I'd lock my doors, close my windows, turn off my lights and sit in the dark frightened by the vehemence of his anger.

The Fire

On the Friday night of the Labour Day weekend, I awoke to the sound of a ruckus outside. When I looked out my front window, I saw a crowd on the street - I thought it was a party. When I looked out the window over my kitchen sink, I saw flames in the living room of my neighbour's home. I calmly called 911 and was told they were on the way. I woke up the Boy, and Honey followed us outside.

I won't go into the details of what happened. There were Police, EMTs and eventually the Fire Department. The fire was out in relatively short time - thankfully my house was never in any danger. But it was scary. I pray I never come any closer than that to a house fire.

Arson

The son has now been charged and remanded for a psychiatric evaluation. And I am so sorry for my neighbour. But I'm scared for me and my family. What will the future bring? Will he come back once they replace the house. Will I ever feel as safe around him again? Will I ever be able to not worry about what he might do to his family.

Lord help us all. Please pray for resoultion for all of us, for the world to move forward and things to get better.

Can World's Strongest Dad, A Tribute

2007-05-30T11:17:00.001-07:00

Imagine being this sort of parent. I feel very small and incredibly humble.

Training partners

2007-05-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

I have often found amusing/annoying a little thing that BF says to me. When I lament hills or the wind on my cycling (or running) jaunts, he scolds me.

"The wind is your training partner!" he says.

And he is right. The wind works against us at times, but it also helps us out. It is a cruel and unusual wind indeed that doesn't help you for a portion of your ride. And the key is always to plan a ride based on where that wind will be coming from to maximize your energy and workout. And to a degree too, the wind is a mental challenge - it is harder on the old noggin to have the wind in your face - it just feels like you can't get anywhere.

This past Sunday the Dean of the Cathedral said something that really struck a chord. We've been talking about the Holy Spirit as we approach Pentecost and about the various forms the Holy Spirit takes in the Bible. A classic one is as a dove. There is also flame. And this week's discussion about what form taken was that of wind. At one point the Holy Spirit appeared as wind.

And it struck me that that makes it come full circle when I'm cycling. The Holy Spirit is with me. The Holy Spirit is my training partner. The Holy Spirit is with me as I work hard to improve my physical state of being. And by thinking of that challenge in a bit more of a spiritual sense, I can feel a sense of well-being that the Holy Spirit is helping me. And guiding me. And challenging me.

I guess I'd better not offer any more expletives when the wind is being particularly difficult on a ride or on a run!

Nice wind, helpful wind, nice helpful Holy Spirit. :)

Race photos

2007-05-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

The starting line - waiting, waiting, waiting...

And we're off...see me smilling back at Sebastian?

I'm still smiling in the final loop...

After the finish.

Posing with my man and my dog.

Race Day!

2007-05-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

So today was finally the day. I ran the 10 KM in the Fredericton Marathon.

53:26 (or somewhere thereabouts) - I have a bad memory for numbers.

It was a great race. I felt good running and probably could have done better but considering I was aiming for a sub-60 minute race, that's pretty f*cking amazing!

Now I am pooped. Took my Mum for Brunch at the Blue Canoe with Sebastian. I'm ready for a nap now!

Happy Mother's Day to all!

I'm falling...

2007-05-07T04:39:00.000-07:00

I had a dumb accident on Saturday that has resulted in pain and suffering.

I have two little decks - to call them decks is doing them a huge service - they are really just steps to my door. On the back set I keep the barbecue.

I've noticed that this back deck is rotting a bit, one plank in particular was looking pretty dicey. I've been meaning to do something vague about it but haven't done anything.

Well the good news is I no longer have to ponder what to do about the plank - it's now gone.

The bad news is I fell through it Saturday afternoon. I'd been doing yard work etc and noticed I had forgotten to put the cover back on the BBQ the last time I used it. So I opened the backdoor and stepped out to cover it. I stepped squarely down on the plank and it gave way and I went straight down like a rock. I badly bruised and scraped (but no open cuts) the leg that went through and badly wrenched the leg that didn't.

I bruise like no tomorrow so it's going to be really attractive. I just hope I can still run the Marathon next weekend.

Wow

2007-05-07T04:31:00.000-07:00

I received a letter in the mail on Friday telling me I was being awarded a great honour as a Scouting volunteer.

I've worked hard as a Cub Leader and Adult volunteer trainer over the past few years. I've been feeling a little burned out by the process lately and even questioning whether to stay giving so much at it.

This is a huge boost. I am touched and honoured.

A week of work, whining and wunning.

2007-05-04T12:19:00.000-07:00

Crikey I feel like this has been a long week. Like mega-long. Like interminable.

Tuesday I presented to the Public Safety and Environment committee. It was a wellfield update. It went really well. Council likes me, the Mayor likes me. It's a great feeling to be doing your job well and to be appreciated for it.

Running is going well. I did a tempo run with Honey Tuesday that went well. Then last night I had a great run - I've really kicked up the pace. I think it is not unreasonable to plan for a sub 55 minute race. I was hoping for a sub-60. I am happy. And I plan to keep running and get my time down. Maybe sub-50 by the end of the summer.

We bought boy a Trek 7000 hybrid for his birthday. It will also be my commuter bike which is nice. It's a nice looking bike too.

Last night was an open house about the City's new proposed Water Treatment Plant. It went well - lots of people showed up.

And now it's Friday again. BF is coming over later. I am so ready for a quiet Friday night. After my speed work run though. I'm not looking forward to intervals. This weather SUCKS!

Oh my aching hams...

2007-04-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

It's been a source of amusement to me for some time that BF has really tight hamstrings and I typically don't.

Or at least didn't.

I did a couple of runs this weekend. Saturday was my interval training - first kick at the can. I did 5.6 km with five 400 metre intervals at full out pace. I merely ran until I couldn't breathe anymore, jogged for two minutes and repeated for a total of five sets. I realized that I need to think about my form when I run fast. I tend to really increase my stride which isn't practical for long distances and it stretches previously ignored muscles. Like my hamstrings.

I realized this on Sunday when I went to do my 9 km run. For the first time my hamstrings were tight. But not as tight as they were by the end and by last evening, they were even tighter.

I am now suitably humbled.

A week of things

2007-04-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

It was merely a typical week. A nice week though after a delightful weekend of passing time with BF. I think I like it best when we have a bunch of fun little things to do together and we hang out and have fun just being. It's so refreshing.

On the work side, I managed to overcome a situation with a difficult cow-orker who for some reason unknown to me decided to make my life as difficult as possible. I fixed their clock though - circumvented them and now get what I require when I require it instead of stressing over things. I wish I knew why people change or at least what happened to change what was once a good friendship. Oh well - my life is too damn busy to waste on petty people and too damn short to let myself get worked up over BS.

Tuesday I ran with our group. It was wicked windy, brutally so. And my running buddy was one of my wickedly fast cow-orkers who motivates me to run faster (which is good) but since I am a tad on the competitive side, it can result in doing too much. In any case it was a challenging run ("imagine yourself as an arrow splitting through the wind" - I imagined myself walking instead of running!) and wild running across the Westmorland St. Bridge - I learned the term "Four-laner" which means that when you spit it crosses all four lanes of traffic - it was "only" a three-laner Tuesday.

My calf was then bawling and really sore constantly. And continued to grumble loudly through Wednesday so I didn't run (I did take Honey for a walk up our wooded trail near the house). It griped when I did my standard loop yesterday but feels better this morning. I've been stretching frequently.

ASAP I will be doing some interval training. I've never done it - I think it will be challenging...

Boy comes back tonight and we are going with my Mum to Asia Beef Noodle for supper - yum. It's supposed to rain today but then showers over the weekend. I hope it doesn't rain too hard.

And then BF, Boy & I will watch a movie Saturday night. A Night at the Museum. I hope it is as funny as it could be.

TGIF!

Long run

2007-04-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

I did a 12 km run yesterday. It was *long*. I did it in about 1:15 - it felt like forever at times.

I was stiff and sore after. Stretched quite a few times.

BF & I went to the staff family fun skate at the new arena complex. I am so not a skater and BF is a hockey player and has skated since he was five or so. We had fun but boy oh boy did my ankles hurt!

It is a really nice facility.

BF gave me a lovely massage last night and was very complimentary of my calf muscles (he is a total calf man).

He rode yesterday with OSB and had me in stitches describing the rider they call "Quadzilla" who has quads three times the size of BF's.

I hope to start biking soon but also need to concentrate on getting ready for my 10 km inthe Marathon in 3 weeks!

My route for the Fredericton Marathon 10 km

2007-04-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

I can't get it to embed in my blog but here is a link.

Wow

2007-04-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling sad & angry after what happened at Virginia Tech. Such a tragic loss.

And I'm pretty proud of our gun laws, as long as our Federal Government doesn't do something stupid to change them.

Don't get me wrong. I support hunters and people who use weapons legitimately but they are meant to kill and we need to do what we can to stop them from killing people.

And then I read this. And I figure I don't have to say anything more on the topic of gun control.

More running blah blah

2007-04-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

So to update on my running - last night I ran about 4.8 km in29:30. That includes three wicked uphill treks and one lovely long downhill stride.

Today I ran 3.6 km in 19 minutes, met a friend I hadn't seen in ages so we caught up. Then completed my run but my watch went wonky on me so I think the total run was 6.12 km in about 35 minutes.

It was warmer today but still really windy. It was a treat to get out when it wasn't freezing! I was over-dressed for a change too!

Lock up your daughters...

2007-04-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

The boy decided he wanted a haircut.

Look what he went for, on his own. He sure looks handsome!

Wonderful birthdays

2007-04-18T15:54:00.000-07:00

I meant to post about BF's birthday which was this past weekend. Last year he was flat on his back in agony so we didn't really celebrate. This year we had a nice dinner at my place and then I had set up with our friends JY & A that we would have a party there. I decorated and bought munchies & stuff. And a cake of course. We had a really nice time. Boy was with us too and even he enjoyed himself.

I had bought BF a rather expensive Christmas present and so had told him it was a combination Christmas/birthday gift. Of course he was holding me to that but equally of course I felt that I wanted to buy him something. So we compromised and shared the cost of a Discovery cycling jersey that he got for half price. And Honey bought him the matching socks. And we got him some Hershey's kisses. And some maple syrup.

I think he was really touched.

Sunday we went to his parent's place for a big supper. I was pooped after my 9 km run and BF was beat after a 60 km ride. It's still too darn cold for me to bike!

BF was heard to say he really had a nice birthday. It is truly heartwarming to contribute to such happiness in his life.

Time flies where you are working too hard!

2007-04-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

For the first time in my life I am truly incredibly stupidly busy. I don't have time at work to respond to emails (what's with that?). I've let all all sorts of things slide. It is truly bizarre. And don't get me wrong - I like being busy but I like being a slug too! Oh well - the City's getting their money's worth these days!

And what about running you ask?

When we last saw our not-so-intrepid blogger, I was getting back up to speed or at least trying to get somewhere close. Good Friday, April 6, Honey & I ran to BF's. That worked out to be about 7.1 km and we did it in 42 minutes. I was quite pleased with that. I did another 7 km run that same Sunday, same basic time. And ran with the group that Tuesday. I ran again Thursday last week and then this past Sunday Honey & I did 9 km in about 54 minutes. I was really pleased with that!

Now the weather here has been horrible - snow, freezing rain, ice pellets, rain and really strong winds. So I didn't get out Tuesday with the group. I didn't go out last night because I was afraid of falling on the slippery roads. I did a run tonight - lots of hill work since I live on a brutal hill. I'll check the distance on the GIS at work tomorrow.

It's just too bad that work is interfering with my running! :)

Running update

2007-04-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

Well it's five weeks now until the Fredericton Marathon. I've been out running a grand total of five times.

The inaugural run (March 20) was fine until the day or two after! I was in a fair bit of pain, mainly in my quads. It was too much (6.2 km) too soon after a winter of nothing. Lesson learned.

My next attempt was early on March 24. I hadn't eaten breakfast and I was still pretty stiff. Honey & I went out and it was not so much a run as a plod. I think we went about 5 km but it wasn't running. Helped stretch out though.

My next group run (March 27) was better. I went a little fast to begin with and felt pretty good overall. Cut my time back a little. My calves were really wingey after that run.

I then had another run March 30 with a cow-orker. I was hungry so I ate an apple before we left. That was a mistake. But overall it was a good run - much faster than previous with a couple of walking breaks and we had cut a lot of time off. Still some small calf grumbles.

I missed this week's Tuesday run but went out by myself yesterday. It felt pretty darn good. I know I was faster and didn't need any breaks (want is different from need!)

I plan to get out at least a couple of times this long weekend. Today's weather sucks though - it's snowing! What's with that!!

Hopefully I can pull a decent time for the 10km on May 13.

What kids and dogs will let you get away with...

2007-04-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

Things to carry you through...

2007-03-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

I finally got off my fat #ss and got out for some exercise today. I went running with a group here at the City who will be completing some version of the Fredericton Marathon this Mother's Day. I'm planning on running the 10 km.

I haven't done anything since last December. I'm a slug and have gained about ten pounds over the winter.

But I bought myself the very cool sushi hat you see above and a new shirt for running and ran 6.2 km today.

I hurt.

I will hurt more later.

I will hurt even more tomorrow.

But I am back on the road to fitness!

Yay.

Life stuff

2007-03-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

It's been ages since I posted. I've been really struggling with life things. Much pain from neck & shoulder crap. I am mostly on the mend but still struggling.

Problems in the Boy's life are also of great concern. I am quite worried for him.

And BF has been sick and grumpy for what seems like forever but he is coming out of it too. It's been tough to have this juxtaposition of gloom.

I just want days of sunshine and warmth and to get out on my bike and start running again. I guess I just want my life back.

If anyone sees it, please tuck into into and envelope and send it along.

Diggin' a Hole

2007-03-05T12:07:00.001-08:00

Coming out of the hack

2007-02-28T08:49:00.001-08:00

Who let the dog out?

2007-02-26T10:17:00.000-08:00

Honey was sleeping on the Boy's bed at the Hilton Hotel this weekend. (we were in Saint John for a curling bonspiel) So the Boy figured it was only appropriate that he sleep in her kennel - she wasn't so sure. :)

Boy says the kennel is actually roomier and more comfy than he thought.

How I feel at work some days...

2007-02-26T10:13:00.000-08:00

Honey ended up coming to work with me on Friday. She was a little angel - she was so quiet no one really knew she was here.

But I think she thought my work is pretty boring...

My gym membership

2007-02-23T07:54:00.000-08:00

My mother gave me $$ for Christmas to renew my gym membership. I looked back over what was a highly successful year in terms of physical fitness. But I really didn't get to the gym often enough to make a $500 membership worthwhile - over $10 a visit fer crissakes!

So I asked and got permission to use the money towards a new digital camera and bought a Kodak Easyshare Z710. It's sweet.

Honey looked less than impressed.

The Boy thinks it is cool. Check out the photo. Taken in the dark in his room - no red eye! He's holding his eyes open because the previous photos were kind of squinty. :)

Valentine's Day :)

2007-02-15T05:01:00.000-08:00

Well the weather outside was frightful but my evening was quite delightful.

BF didn't disappoint. A dozen long-stem white roses, a sweet little bear with a pink bow, locks for my Yakima rack & bike mount, a card for me, a card for Honey, gifts(!) for Honey, supper prepared, dishes washed. It was sublime.

We probably should have then gone outside and shovelled all the freaking snow but instead we turned our energies to more romantic pursuits. I went to bed in a fuzzy blur of bliss. BF got to drive home in his hot extended-cab plow truck and go to work.

I am well kept.

Life's embarrassing moments

2007-02-12T05:17:00.000-08:00

Oh yeah - I am so cool in my City vehicle...until one of life's embarrassing moments strikes.

This morning around ten to nine I was driving down Queen Street, one of our main downtown thoroughfares when buddy in the next lane starts drifting over. There was a truck in an alley that looked sort of like he was backing into the street so I think buddy decided to come over into my lane. Me in my GM Sierra Cargo Van (at least that's what I think it is)

So I toot the horn, no response. Hit the horn again in an attempt to not be involved in an accident. Horn deploys all right - it sticks on! And it is *really* loud.

Crikey!!

I quickly pulled over, turned off the beast (feeble hope this would kill the horn) and then popped the hood(thus horn is now even louder with hood open). I'm a girl in panic mode - not thinking clearly about what to do.

Called dispatch. They tried the shop - no reply!

Dispatched mentioned something about fuse. I said I didn't know where they are (remember now there is a LOUD chorus of horn impeding my judgement)

But I drew a deep cleansing breath and located the fuse panel and looked at the chart. And then I tried to remove the one for the horn. I couldn't lift it! More mild panic. Eventually I managed to pry the little bastard out of its slot - blessed silence.

Took the now aptly named "Christine" the psycho van over to the shop for repair. They laughed at me - imagine that. :)

Nice start to the week eh?

And ohmigawd - I like broke my nail! I need time off for a workplace injury...

How to irritate your boyfriend...

2007-02-05T07:50:00.000-08:00

Or ensure you will never be invited to another Superbowl party. :)

Our good friends J & A came over last night with Vincey to eat, drink & be merry while watching the Superbowl. We had a ball - great food, great company. I howled with laughter and laughed until tears streamed down my face. The boy was with us too and he was hilarious playing that plastic hockey horn. I really enjoyed myself.

A & I discovered how to make BF want to eject us from the game. You see the quarterback for the team we were cheering for is Payton Manning. And he has P.Manning on the back of his jersey.

Well A & I both agreed that it was too much like Preston Manning and so we started to call him Preston.

BF was not amused.

Well we thought it was funny! :)

Woodchuck Day

2007-02-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

Hey - tell me why isn't is woodchuck day anyway?

From "This Day in History on history.com"

February 2: General Interest

1887 : First Groundhog Day

On this day in 1887, Groundhog Day, featuring a rodent meteorologist,is celebrated for the first time at Gobbler's Knob in Punxsutawney,Pennsylvania. According to tradition, if a groundhog comes out of its hole on this day and sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather; no shadow means an early spring.

Groundhog Day has its roots in the ancient Christian tradition ofCandlemas Day, when clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter. The candles represented how long and cold the winter would be. Germans expanded on this concept by selecting an animal--thehedgehog--as a means of predicting weather.

Once they came to America,German settlers in Pennsylvania continued the tradition, although theyswitched from hedgehogs to groundhogs, which were plentiful in theKeystone State.

Groundhogs, also called woodchucks and whose scientific name isMarmota monax, typically weigh 12 to 15 pounds and live six to eightyears. They eat vegetables and fruits, whistle when they're frightened or looking for a mate and can climb trees (!!) and swim.

They go into hibernation in the late fall; during this time, their body temperatures drop significantly, their heartbeats slow from 80 to five beats per minute and they can lose 30 percent of their body fat. InFebruary, male groundhogs emerge from their burrows to look for a mate(not to predict the weather) before going underground again. They come out of hibernation for good in March.

In 1887, a newspaper editor belonging to a group of groundhog hunters from Punxsutawney called the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club declared thatPhil, the Punxsutawney groundhog, was America's only true weather-forecasting groundhog. The line of groundhogs known as Phil might be America's most famous groundhogs, but other towns across North America now have their own weather-predicting rodents, fromBirmingham Bill to Staten Island Chuck to Shubenacadie Sam in Canada.

In 1993, the movie Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray popularized the usage of "groundhog day" to mean something that is repeated over and over. Today, tens of thousands of people converge on Gobbler's Knob inPunxsutawney each February 2 to witness Phil's prediction. ThePunxsutawney Groundhog Club hosts a three-day celebration featuring entertainment and activities.

too busy but not enough of the right sorts of things

2007-01-30T08:24:00.000-08:00

You know how that is? You find your schedule full and you don't seem to have any time to do anything but somehow you aren't doing the sorts of things you want to be doing. It's sort of tough for me as an "every other week single parent". But some of the boy's activities carry over week to week regardless. And my ex although pretty decent as exes go, isn't always as supportive of certain things as he might be (he probably says the same about me though...)

So our crazy schedule runs something like this:

Monday - Cubs (I'm a Leader)
Tuesday - Scouts (Boy) and sometimes I have to go to a meeting as a parent
Wednesday - Boy has curling after school. The evening is free.
Thursday - choir Boy after school, me from 7:30 to 9:30
Friday - recovery
Saturday - scurry about getting stuff done
Sunday - church AM, Curling PM

Now this week I've added a UNB/STU game Wednesday evening with BF which is wonderful. Tonight I have a meeting at the church for Boy's Canada Jamboree this summer for Scouts. Thursday I'm going to supper with my dear friend who is struggling with being unemployed. Friday through the weekend is the Simms Home Hardware 17 & Under Curling bonspiel for the boy but I also have Cub Camp. I can't be in both places so I will miss his bonspiel and unfortunately he also misses Scout camp.

Did I mention Boy also has school choir and Senior Band? (7:30 AM practices Wednesday!)

Sunday is the Superbowl and I am hoping that BF will come over for supper (or better yet to *make* supper) and we can watch together. I'm cheering for the Colts. I have no real reason why other than it seemed like just about every NFL game I watched this past season they were in for some reason. I like their coach.

Looks like next weekend though there will be a spinning ladies spa overnighter in Mactaquac. I can sure live with that.

Calgon take me away.

A curious thing

2007-01-25T12:26:00.000-08:00

A strange thing happened today. I realized I missed my dad.

Now my father passed away 14 years ago. We had a strained relationship that was greatly improved by the approximately 870 km that separated us. We could survive a long-weekend together, maybe. Christmas holidays were brutal. Summers - excruciating.

Daddy was an alcoholic. Clinically depressed. Legally blind. Had angina and related blood/heart stuff. Fibromyalgia. He ruined *every* Christmas except his last.

He was a grumpy old bastard but he had his moments. He was really smart. Taught geology at McGill. His job resulted in my being born in Rouyn-Noranda in Abitibi in Northern Quebec and spending the first ten years of my life summering up there.

He wasn't so good at turning off the professorial tap. He could sit at the table, drinking warm beer and chain smoking, and lecture you on whatever until the cows came home. He held grudges. Forever. He blamed everything bad on someone - we all learned to try to ensure nothing would stick to us. I'm a bit of a flincher as a result - I hate to be seen as "responsible" for something negative and can be overly defensive as a result.

So why did I miss him?

Because he was wise and gave good guidance most of the time. Because he was my daddy and my son will never know him.

Because a wonderful elderly man came in for some advice today and I was sorry that my dad will never have the opportunity to sit across a table from me while I explain what it is I do.

Hi Daddy - I felt your presence today & I wanted to acknowledge it.

Ahhhh the warmth of worm spit...

2007-01-22T07:16:00.000-08:00

Last fall I participated in the Tour de Grand Lake, a 138 km road bike ride for breast cancer support. It was a tough ride but loads of fun. And fun prizes for everyone.

One of my prizes was a pair of pale purple silk long underwear that I have been wearing for a couple of weeks now what with winter finally arriving. They are awesome!!

And the Boy informed me with great glee last night that silk is in fact worm spit. And we then tried to convince BF that my longjohns were obviously made with purple worm spit as a result of the worms being fed grape kool-aid that made the silk threads purple. BF was having none of it unfortunately. It was pretty funny though.

I'd love to get a spare pair.

Let it Snow...

2007-01-19T07:02:00.000-08:00

Wowsers - a predicted storm with snow then rain then snow. Should be messy later.

Boy is off to curl in a funspiel in St. Stephen tomorrow. I'll be sitting home alone with the dog while BF shovels & plows. He got my pipes defrosted thankfully.

Not much else going on. January blahs still threaten to take hold. Blech.

oh fer crissakes

2007-01-18T08:41:00.000-08:00

My flipping pipes are frozen. Thankfully not the main pipe leading into the house but the cold water supply pipe to the bathroom sink, the toilet and the kitchen. I have hot water everywhere and cold water to the tub.

Bloody hell.

Hopefully the defrost will be a quick fix and then I can simply put some heat tape where needed and insulate the area under my stupid mini home a little better.

I so did not need that this week.

And my head is still aching from Sunday's fall. The next time I faint I'm going to try to not "break my crown". The first time I fainted two years ago I split my lip open and had to have it glued back together but that didn't hurt for days after.

Sigh.

And now I'm just waiting for the final shoe to drop since "jamais deux sans trois"...

Bloody h*ll

2007-01-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

Okay so I know this isn't as bad as some of our more Northern regions of Canada but it's Freaking cold today. -33 C windchills are just wrong. Why wasn't I born somewhere more southerly?

In other news, I went to the doctor and there is nothing wrong with me. Yeah I've put on a few pounds since last fall but my BP was good and my heart sounds fine. Isolated incident I guess.

So since there is nothing wrong with me there's no hope for "fixing" me.

Carry on.

No I'm not...

2007-01-15T12:04:00.000-08:00

I repeat NOT...pregnant.

Some might think that because I fainted I might be pregnant.

I'm not. Confirmed as my beloved period arrived on time (every time) today.

I take a pretty little pill to ensure I don't get pregnant and to prevent me from monthly agony and strong desires to rip the head off anyone XY who might be handy. I knew I wasn't pregnant.

Thank you Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical.

The mother of all shiners

2007-01-15T05:17:00.000-08:00

Wowsers. I guess I sort of threw off my mantle of gloom this weekend and exchanged it for a helmet of pain.

Friday night was lovely. BF & I went to Asia Beef Noodle for bathtubs of soup (really big bowls) and then we went back to my place and watched Talladega Nights (I wanted some silliness).

Saturday was a lazy sort of day although my friend A & I took Honey and her BF Vincey to the woodlot for a nice romp. It was a lovely day until we turned the last corner and had a nasty wind in our faces the whole rest of the way to the car. I got home, made a Prime Rib roast and accoutrements for supper with BF. Then back to A's place where I was meeting her & her BF to go to UNB's hockey game. She had gotten stranded in Pizza notso-Delight waiting in pizza hell so was late but her BF poured me a glass of red wine while we waited. We had another glass while they ate. And by then the girls had decided we would much rather stay at her place and gossip and sip red wine. So her BF left. I called my BF, told him what we had done and asked if he would drive me home later. He agreed.

We split the first bottle less one glass that her BF had. We then had one glass each from the second bottle. I know I didn't have a whole bottle's worth over 6 hours so although I was chatty and silly I wasn't wasted. BF drove me home around 12:30.

At 6:00 AM Sunday morning I rose to have a pee. I felt a little sickish but put that on the red wine and corn chips I ate, both of which can give me indigestion. When I rose from the throne I felt quite dizzy so I sat again. When I tried once more to rise, I felt very dizzy so I sat on the floor this time; I think I even lay down for a moment to collect myself. When I then told myself all I really wanted was to go back to my warm bed, I remember standing up but that's it. The next thing I remember was hearing BF asking if I was okay and then being helped back to bed. He had been woken by a rather large thump (me) and thought it was Honey knocking something over but when he reached over to my side of the bed he realized I was gone and went to check. Found me on bathroom floor.

I could feel a sore spot on my forehead above my right eye and figured I was going to have a shiner. Oh boy was I ever right. I spent all day yesterday sleeping on the couch (I'm sure I had a concussion) and this morning I woke up with garish purple eyeshadow on that eye. My head still really hurts. And I have no idea why I fainted.

So it's off to the doctor Wednesday (unless I can get in this afternoon) to see what's happening with this crazy body of mine.

Thankfully life is never dull.

Another positive step forward

2007-01-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

I'm gradually throwing off these pesky mid-winter blues, one step at a time. Last night was a bit hectic and almost threw me off. We (Me, BF, boy and boy's friend) went to the UNB-UdeM hockey game. Too rushed for a decent supper after boy's curling but it was a fabulous game, really exciting. Unfortunately UNB lost 11 seconds into overtime but it was good hockey.

Today I had one of those "Oh yeah this is why women need girlfriends" lunches. I met my friend S after a way-too-long hiatus. We used to be really lucky because she was my French instructor so we got to see each other weekly without needing to "find" time. She's a wonderful person, a good friend and we have way fun together.

We had lunch at the Crowne Plaza. Their salad buffet was really tasty - quite a pleasure. So good in fact that I didn't feel a need to supplement with the hot buffet. I feel mildly sanctimonious for being so good and only eating healthy food. I'm paying a certain price however for eating too many red onion bits.

We girls need girlfriends, maybe even more than we "need" boyfriends. Girlfriends provide love and warmth and the good ones provide unconditional support through whatever life throws at you. It's so nice to share stories from in the trenches with people who don't judge you or take stuff the wrong way.

And the cool thing about girlfriends is that you can always add another one and the existing ones don't get all jealous. They are like pearls in your own strand of life - valuable and precious and intended to be held warm and close to your heart.

Thanks S for reminding me what true friendship is about. :)

Retail Therapy

2007-01-10T09:28:00.000-08:00

After yesterday's attack of the blahs, I was drawn to Radical Edge. They are having a sale. I feel better now.

The first shirt I got is sort of like the one below but not exactly. The colour is the same.

I also got this exact shirt.

I'm a girly girl

2007-01-10T05:54:00.002-08:00

Your Brain is 87% Female, 13% Male

You have the brain of a girly girlWhich isn't a bad thing at allYou're emphathic, caring, and in tune with emotions.You're a good friend and give great advice.

What Gender Is Your Brain?

Blues Update

2007-01-10T05:54:00.001-08:00

I actually took the time to locate my unpaid bills last night and I paid them.

oh i feel so much better...

January Blues

2007-01-09T08:31:00.000-08:00

I just can't seem to shake these January Blues...

Blah - it sounds like a corny song doesn't it? But I just feel like a lump.

I don't want to do anything or go anywhere. I feel my body changing shape and growing like some fungal colony. My muscle tone I'm sure is completely shot. I'm still struggling with this cough too and I don't want to take the risk of some secondary infection so I don't want to go to the gym.

I don't want to clean my house. I don't want to do any paperwork or find bills so I can pay them. I don't want to cook interesting meals.

I don't want to go to work. I don't want to do anything or go anywhere. I want to lie on my couch, watch bad television, eat tasty food prepared & served by someone else and wait until warmer weather with longer daylight hours arrives and I can find my usual chipper, happy self again.

It's either that or go on an impulsive spending splurge. I think I'd better stick to Frenchy's though. I have festive holiday bills to think about.

Whine whine whine.

A funny thing happened on the way to work...

2007-01-05T10:45:00.000-08:00

Here are some shots taken out my way this morning...I was right at the intersection where the bus was - at that point there was also a garbage truck and another large vehicle in the same ditch. Apparently the other was a tow truck and there was also a Police Car.

We had two of our City sand trucks go off the road too.

I'm amazed I made it in one piece! And I know it was a bit foolish but by the time I was out of my neighbourhood, I was at the point of no return - I couldn't have gotten home and had nowhere else to go that wasn't work!

Man I *need* a massage after all the stress and tense muscles!

Black ice

2007-01-05T05:57:00.000-08:00

I had the most harrowing drive of my career today. Picture driving on a skating rink surface. Fun if you are driving a Zamboni. Not fun in a Nissan Sentra.

And once I managed to get down the hill in my neighbourhood using a route with switchbacks, I was at the point of no return. I wasn't going to get home and I was freaked out by the sheer mass of accidents and what I faced to get to work. A huge accident involving a City Bus, garbage truck, tow truck and taxi (I gather) was what pushed me over the edge. I was overwhelmed with the realization that I was in a dangerous situation.

But I made it to work, skated along the sidewalks to get to City Hall.

Black ice sucks.

This is pretty funny

2007-01-04T11:55:00.000-08:00

I presume this is true and even if it isn't, it is a cunning bit of humour.

The top 10 unintentionally worst company URLs

From: http://independentsources.com/2006/07/12/worst-company-urls/

Attn: EntrepreneursEveryone knows that if you are going to operate a business in today’s world you need a domain name. It is advisable to look at the domain name selected as other see it and not just as you think it looks. Failure to do this may result in situations such as the following (legitimate) companies who deal in everyday humdrum products and services but clearly didn’t give their domain names enough consideration:

1. A site called ‘Who Represents‘ where you can find the name of the agent that represents a celebrity. Their domain name… wait for it… iswww.whorepresents.com

2. Experts Exchange, a knowledge base where programmers can exchange advice and views atwww.expertsexchange.com

3. Looking for a pen? Look no further than Pen Island atwww.penisland.net

4. Need a therapist? Try Therapist Finder atwww.therapistfinder.com

5. Then of course, there’s the Italian Power Generator company…www.powergenitalia.com

6. And now, we have the Mole Station Native Nursery, based in New South Wales:www.molestationnursery.com

7. If you’re looking for computer software, there’s alwayswww.ipanywhere.com

8. Welcome to the First Cumming Methodist Church. Their website iswww.cummingfirst.com

9. Then, of course, there’s these brainless art designers, and their whacky website:www.speedofart.com

10. Want to holiday in Lake Tahoe? Try their brochure website athttp://www.gotahoe.com/

No sardines for lunch today...

2007-01-04T07:44:00.001-08:00

Leftover gluten-free, dairy-free pizza instead.

Mmmmm pizza.

It's a start...

2007-01-03T10:55:00.000-08:00

For lunch today I ate some of these. Described as "BRUNSWICK Seafood Snacks - delicious and nutritious. Boneless herring fillets in an exciting and contemporary range of great sauces."

Today herring fillets. Tomorrow maybe a sardine.

They were reasonably tasty.

I still think I should feed the sardines to Honey...

WTF?

2007-01-02T11:00:00.000-08:00

Man I just had one of those "What the Fuck?" moments.

The summer before last (2005), in my pre-BF days, I was walking Honey along the trail one fine August late afternoon. I met a guy on his MTB and we chatted for a while. He was nice enough, francophone and we seemed to hit it off. We ended up going for drinks at the Delta and I thought we had a good time. But I never heard from him again, which was also fine.

I had by that point established myself as very happily single. I'd been severely burned by a major assh*le the previous January and was still in recovery. And after having a delightful diversion with a hot younger man as a form of recovery in the first few months of that year, I was now a new woman. Happy, single and ready to just be my new self.

And then I met BF. We met at HJB and then at a volunteer appreciation party where we really connected. And the rest is history. He has improved my life immensely and I am a much better person for knowing him.

So this French guy (who I am embarrassed to say I can't even remember his name!!!) contacted me by email a year ago at Christmastime after seeing me with a girlfriend at a bar. And I told him that I had a new love interest at that point and we were going to Montreal over the holidays and that life was good. So he wished me well and that was that.

Except he showed up at my office today! WTF?

Wanted to know if I was still in love (YES!). Still living in the same place? Turns out he is thinking of moving into my neighbourhood (WTF?) Am I living with my BF? He appears happy to hear I am not living with BF (WTF?)

Strange strange strange.

Merry New Year!

2007-01-02T08:43:00.000-08:00

I was experiencing technical difficulties blogging from home so I simply gave up and let it slide.

Now I'm back at work again after a lovely ten day hiatus. I needed the break and now it is good to be back at work. I'm still coughing a bit but I think I am very lucky that I had time off - I suspect I would have ended up with bronchitis had I been working. I've felt that deep chest coughing effect a few times since contracting this dread illness.

And now we are into 2007. I feel so lucky, I am so blessed.

I have a wonderful boyfriend. He is caring and thoughtful. And I have learned from previous mistakes with other less wonderful people so I can stop *myself* from making errors in judgement. It's so neat to see myself having changed my approach on certain things and how much happier I am as a result. BF doesn't "make" me happy; I am happier with who *I* am when I'm with him.

I have a great kid. He is bright and cheerful and cooperative. We get along well although we are alike in many ways so I think I may have to pay attention to that as he gets older. I wouldn't want to have him experience strife because of being too much like me in the same ways my mother & I find ourselves frequently at odds. He is doing so well in school and enjoys his extra-curricular stuff too. It is gratifying to be a parent.

I have a great job. I work for a great organization. I like my work and the opportunities to interact with the public. I appreciate my opportunities here as I "mature" in my career too. I am very lucky.

I have a super dog. She is a real ray of sunshine in my life. I can't imagine life without her. And although I know it is a bit crazy to get another dog, I battle my irrational fear of losing her after having lost my brother all those years ago in that terrible accident. It's sort of like the old "the heir and the spare" thing. Sometimes I worry about what would happen if I lost Sebastian but I can't really do anything about that. So in my own silly little way I guess I want two dogs so I won't have to worry about being dog-less.

I have my own home that the bank lets me live in as long as I make payments to them. I have my own car that another bank lets me drive as long as I make payments to *them*. I have plenty of food, clothing and little luxuries.

So what will 2007 bring? Well I hope to achieve last year's 10 km race objective in running. I let that slide. I'd like to put 3000 km on my road bike this year and accomplish a 100 mile century. I'd like to visit family in Quebec and Vermont this summer. I'd like to get to the gym 3 times a week. I'd like to be more positive and less critical.

And I'd like to have more time to do more things with more friends.

Boxing Day Peace

2006-12-26T05:28:00.000-08:00

It's almost 9:30. Honey & I have been up for a couple of hours. The boy is sleeping. We all had a wonderful Christmas. For me it was at times romantic, silly, fun, exasperating and a whole other gamut of things. It was a great time to catch up with family & friends.

There were a nice selction of gifties under the tree. I got $$ for my YMCA membership from my mum. BF gave me a bike roof rack system for my car and a number of other small things as well. He's incredibly thoughtful. We each had done up a stocking for each other - it was so much fun to open them together.

I had the best time with BF - it's been many years since I had a man with me on Christmas morning. We really had a nice Christmas together. :)

Pre-Christmas Cheer

2006-12-23T13:48:00.000-08:00

I've been lying low today what with this nasty cold/flu thing I've got - it includes one of the nastiest persistent viral sore throats ever. And a yucky cough.

I've been puttering mostly after a brief foray to Scoop & Save to get stuff for making Christmas treats. The boy went off with his father to get a tree and decorate it. I came back home, made gluten-free chocolate-chip pecan pies and snoozed.

The boy & I made other treats once he got home - I made Festive Cherry Squares (again) and he made Skillet Scrummies which I've made and are also fabulous.

In happy news, when I checked my work email I saw that I got 90% in my Water Treatment I exam! Hooray!

I'm thinking I won't be doing much churching tomorrow. Although I am feeling better, the cough is nasty and I don't want to spread *that* kind of Christmas cheer. BF is going to come and make me supper and we'll have a Christmas Eve sleepover - Hooray! I made him a stocking too and I think he'll enjoy that (he surprised me with a stocking last year so I'm just getting him back so to speak). We can snuggle in bed and open our stockings together - how fun will that be?

Holy sardines batman!

2006-12-21T11:19:00.000-08:00

I know a consultant who does work related to my job. I don't give him any work per se and so he can't really bribe me with seasonal gifts. But every now & then, he comes in with "fruits of the sea". He used to work for Brunswick Seafood and he has brought me a variety of sardine products over the past year to try.

I haven't tried them.

Eating little headless fish with all their insides still intact simply hasn't held any water with me. Other people at work love them so I've never had *any* trouble getting rid of them. And I've told "D" that I haven't had the courage to eat them yet.

So today he shows up with a "gift" for me. Not a box of chocolates - no.

A *HUGE* gift pack of little dead fish guys! 15 tins of sardines in a variety of sauces, 5 seafood snacks, 1 baby clams, 1 salad crab meat, 1 Leg Crabmeat 15% leg and 1 "Start a Healthy Habit Recipe Book" You can find the products here.

I didn't know "Crunchy Sardine Pizza" even existed...

God Bless Us Everyone

2006-12-21T06:45:00.000-08:00

I went to see the boy in "Bah Humbug" last night, the production at his school. He did so well and I was so proud of him. When he sang his song, I cried. And when they got to the part where Scrooge is watching the future and Tiny Tim is dead, I cried too (silly really since it was only a possible outcome in the future in a story and it really wasn't the boy himself who was dead!)

He's a good little singer but we seldom get to hear him sing solos.

I wonder when his voice will change.

And he bravely endured *GIRLS HUGGING HIM*!!! LOL.

6 more days...

2006-12-19T07:21:00.000-08:00

I've never done a meme so here goes nothing...

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Noel Nog - soy eggnog since I can't have milk or cream
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? Always wrapped, bagged or otherwise concealed
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? - Multicolored - monocolour just seems wrong to me
4. Do you hang mistletoe? The one person I like to kiss doesn't require mistletoe assistance.
5. When do you put your decorations up? After December 1
6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Turkey
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Christmas was a little painful with an alcoholic dad but my mum always made it special. I have memories of special snowfalls and feeling the magic of Christmas
8 . When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I honestly don't remember "learning" and in many ways I still "believe" in the spirit of that magic.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes, but this was not a family tradition when I was growing up.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? First the lights (multi-colored), then all the ornaments.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it.
12. Can you ice skate? Not really.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I can't think of anything in particular.
14. What’s your favorite thing about the holidays? The sense of excitement and the magic of all of it.
15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Either Christmas pudding or a chocolate log.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Singing in the choir on Christmas Eve.
17. What tops your tree? An angel.
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? I think I actually prefer giving.
19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? There are many - I love so many Christmas songs!
20. Candy canes yuck or yum? Non-committal.
21. What’s number one on your Christmas list this year? Peace on Earth, love for all and an end to so many evils.

So long & thanks for all the pigs...

2006-12-19T06:32:00.000-08:00

It was a bittersweet parting last evening. We loved the pigs but they really weren't getting the attention they deserved and with the boy only being around every other week, and not paying that much attention to them, I thought it might be nicer for them to find a home where people paid attention to them and brushed them.

So I went to here and posted them and a family from the area have gladly adopted them lock, stock & barrel. I felt sad but also relieved and hopefully they will receive the attention they deserve.

Goodbye Takua & Takanuva.

Honey's best friend

2006-12-18T07:54:00.000-08:00

The boyfriend has mastered the art of watching TV from the couch while at the same time rubbing Honey's belly. I had to take a picture of her when I saw the expression on her face!

More puppy envy.

2006-12-15T09:29:00.000-08:00

We can hardly wait until we have a little cutie like one of these next summer!

Christmas razberry!

2006-12-15T05:34:00.000-08:00

Honey really is great with wearing this sort of garb and normally I can get a good shot but last night was not stellar for either of us. I need to figure out the camera and we all need to relax and enjoy the photo shoot. Tonight I'll try for all of us in the shot.

In the meantime I got this *hilarious* picture!

10 more days folks!

Season of Insanity

2006-12-12T04:17:00.000-08:00

STOP THE TRAIN - I NEED TO GET OFF!!!

Holy crazy train! I feel like my life has been switched to some insane pace and I am like the coyote trying to paddle my legs insanely as I run off the cliff.

It all started Friday night when I realized that I had to make the sweets for our sweet plates here at work for Monday. We had so much on if I didn't get them done Friday, it wasn't going to happen.

Saturday the boy had curling. All day. Yay. Actually it was fun and great practice for his team but I didn't need to blow off a whole Saturday this close to Christmas. And then at the end of the day, I somehow managed to get stuck with clean up after the pizza party for the kids. A few people were kind enough to stay & help but it was kind of like moving, you know what I mean? Even after the bulk is done there are still myriad little things to get done to finish the job. I brought the extra 1.5 pizza over to the boyfriend who totally pigged out over the ensuing 18 hours post receipt of said delicacy - I taunted him mercilessly. After pizza delivery, went home, released Honey from the house for a pee/poop and then her supper. Tossed her into car with boy and we went to pick up wreathes to deliver for Scouts. Was supposed to put up Christmas tree Saturday but was so tired & hungry when we finally got home, I forgot.

Sunday. Get up. Get to church for 9:00. Sing. Home by 11:30. Eat lunch. Get boy to school for play rehearsal at 1:00. Take Honey to woodlot. We walked for hour. It was a gorgeous day and it was actually a nice break from all the insanity. Lots of other dogs booting about. I dropped her off at the boyfriend's then went to the boy's Christmas band concert. Once that got out, we booted him over to the Cathedral for *his* choir singing the service. Out by 5:00. We went home and dug out the tree from the shed. Boyfriend arrived with Honey and we all pitched in to make supper.

We put up the tree while boyfriend was there. It is an artificial tree I confess. I bought it when I lived in an apartment and wasn't allowed a real one. Now I kind of like to have it. My place is so small and it is so easy to take care of and it doesn't make a mess. Once I buy a real house, I'll have a real tree again. There is something so fitting about having a fake tree when you live in a trailer park - oops I mean "mini home development". The boy did a great job trimming the tree.

I have to brag because the boyfriend is so wonderful. He made salad and cooked the steaks. After supper, while I was trimming the hair between Honey's toes (it traps the snow and hurts her feet when it is cold & snowy) he cleaned up the post supper debris - loaded my dishwasher, wiped the counters, washed the big stuff and even the burner covers on the stove. I was so touched. He is so wonderful and thoughtful.

We watched Christmas Vacation together. I'd never seen it and it was pretty funny.

Monday comes and it's off to work again. I brought along my Festive Cherry Squares and spent most of the morning putting together sweet plates to sell as a fundraiser for our Christmas family - we raised $350. It was lots of fun and there was a lovely selection of home baked goods. I then bought three plates - one for my mum, one for our party this Saturday and one for the boys to nibble over the holidays.

Monday night is Cubs and we took the boys to Clay Café. What a hoot! I want to go back with older "kids" and have some fun myself some night. The boys are really good but it brought home a quote I made up a while back that hadn't entered my head in a while: "You call it Cubs - I call it contraception." 13 - 8 to11 year olds in a small room doing crafts. Oh yah baby!

Tonight is relatively quiet. Drop boy at Scouts, go visit boyfriend with Honey. Go for a walk and relax.

Honey's foray into literature

2006-12-07T04:10:00.000-08:00

Oh boy.

When I got home last night, I observed that Honey had decided to see why her people spend so much time with books. And she found a book she could really sink her teeth into - "Once Upon a more Enlightened Time - More Politically Correct Bedtime Stories" It was shredded. I had noticed that the boy had left it on the stool next to Honey's chair but never thought anything of it. It's sad really - it's a delightful book and now it is gone.

This morning she put sprinkles and a cherry on that particular sundae of pet ownership joy. GROSS ALERT -- She barfed outside my bedroom door just as I was getting up to let her out. And there was a mountainous smelly poop on the carpet in the living room. Either one I could have stomached on its own - I nearly barfed myself cleaning up her barf. Sigh.

Needless to say, the baby gate is back up and she languishes in the kitchen in her shame.

Not a stellar morning - no soy beverage, gluten-free bread or bagels. A wretched breakfast that now sits heavy and icky in my tummy.

One hour of tears

2006-12-07T04:05:00.000-08:00

I watched a program last night that brought me to tears early in and I cried pretty much all the way through it.

I knew the HIV/AIDS crisis was proofound but somehow I missed along the way just how bad it is in Africa. Millions affected, so many orphans, so many grandmothers left childless to raise their grandchildren. Poverty beyond comprehension.

I now need to find a way to channel my desire to help. I guess this is as good a place to start as any.

Stephen Lewis is a great man and has accomplished great things. He is a true hero.

If I had known sooner, I would have given more of my Christmas $$ to this cause - I'm sure people would have understood that this is a present that we can all benefit from.

Winter Wonderland

2006-12-06T11:37:00.000-08:00

I guess one of the advantages of living next to a River is how beautiful an otherwise nasty-cold morning can be. It was -18 this morning - even Honey was not too keen to go back out after being out for her "morning pee & poop while Mum's in the shower" ritual.

There was a lot of moisture in the air though and the whole world was clad in a glittery white robe. There is nothing so beautiful as hoar frost on a crisp winter morning (oh wait it's not winter yet...) And we still have a few majestic elm trees which hide their illness so prettily when they can dress up in winter's finest robes.

It's so magical. And when I came out of French class, there were a billion flakes swirling around. It was as if Jack Frost and a whole party of winter fairies were dancing about scattering beauty all around.

Combined with my assortment of Christmas CDs in the changer in the car, I feel positively festive.

I'm humming Christmas carols and feeling very cheerful. I am thankful.

20 Days Until Christmas!!

2006-12-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

Hooray for Snow!

2006-12-05T05:23:00.000-08:00

Well I guess we got our wish. It snowed yesterday, really snowed! I think it snowed more yesterday than it did all last winter. Honey was delighted when I got home - she's worse than a kid in the snow. Runs in circles around the house, bounding like a reindeer, rolling and whuffing. Tossing her Kong into the snow and then pouncing on it. And leaping with great glee upon my piles of snow at the edges of the driveway! She lost her Kong in the snow at the end of the street last night as we walked our "just before bedtime" walk. Hopefully I can find it in the light of day.

It's cooled off a lot too. -9 this morning which isn't cold relative to some places on the continent, but it's the coldest it's been in these parts for a while.

I got my outside Christmas decorations up on Saturday night. I hauled the now-greenish tinged reindeer out from under the deck and stuck him in the ground. I strung up my lights and hung my wreath. I put up lights inside too. I feel like I should have more lights, I should have icicle lights but they are such a PITA to hang so I'll get over it. Maybe lights around the door would be nice. But maybe I can wait until *after* Christmas and get them cheap for next year.

BF is still sick so Honey & I went over for a visit after supper Sunday. I'm pretty sure he had the 'flu - fever, cough, fatigue. He's so grumpy when he's sick. I want him to get better because I miss him!

And when we got home, the reindeer was pulled from the ground and lying on his side a few feet from his original spot. Now it wasn't windy and in fact, even during the windier weather Saurday night, he only got sort of tipped over, not pulled out of the ground. And the clincher is that his side was smushed in too. Begging the question: who stomps on Christmas decorations? :-(

It's off to spinning tonight, a now weekly torture ritual that I need to increase my frequency of somehow. I need to get some weight training in too. Flabby bits starting to appear in waistline region. I saw a delightful term the other day - muffin top. That's that unsightly roll of flesh that spills over the top of a pair of too-tight low-rise jeans. Too funny.

Welcome to Advent!

2006-12-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the first Sunday in Advent. It's such a wonderful season - liturgically it is a warm, familiar season. Musically it is a wonderful season too - tons of old chestnuts to sing. And with our new choir director Willis noble, things are *wonderful*!

I dressed for the season today - my reindeer sweater, Christmas socks and Christmas Tree belly button ring.

I think BF must have 'flu which is very sad. He's been sick all week and still feels poorly. It doesn't sound much like a cold to me.

So Honey & I will be hanging out together tonight, flying solo. Maybe we'll dig out Christmas lights...

Bandango jam was a success! It is quite tasty. :)

The weather is wrong!

2006-12-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

It's the Annual Christmas tree lighting ceremonies at the Legislature and City Hall tonight and it is supposed to be freezing rain! Yuck. We need delicate, romantic flakes of snow dancing down while we witness the magic, sipping hot apple cider and entertaining Honey's legion of fans.

Poop.

BF is sick too, been sick all week. Bummer. No cuddles tonight.

So instead I'm going to stay home with the Boy (since my Ex has something on tonight) and we are going to attempt to make banana mango coconut jam for his "banandango" a breakfast sandwich contest winning idea.

Maybe we'll watch a video too.

I hate exams!

2006-11-29T14:30:00.000-08:00

I wrote my Water Treatment certification exam in Saint John today. I remember now how much I hate writing exams. How much I hate the self-doubt, the mild sense of panic. Wondering if I will have studied the right stuff or not.

I think I did fine. There was a whole whack of questions I hadn't studied becuase I didn't realize such specific info would be on the exam but since I had encountered the topic in a previous life, I knew a lot of it. Then there was the stuff I wasn't expecting at all. Crikey.

There were about 19 questions I wasn't sure of, out of 100. I need 70% to pass. I figure I probably got somewhere in the 80's for a grade. I hope so.

If I failed, I will never live it done. Please have let me pass...

Enveloping darkness

2006-11-23T07:31:00.000-08:00

This is the time of year when I start to feel like I never get to see much of the daylight because when I leave for work it's dark and when I walk out of City Hall at the end of the day, it's getting dark. And by the time I've been fed and we are ready for a doggy walk, it's dark. Really dark.

Last night BF came over around 7 PM for a walk. It was funny because it was the first time that Honey leaped to the floor off the couch and ran to the door when the doorbell rang. Normally she doesn't respond to the doorbell until I give her a cue. And of course, she gives BF the full happy dog treatment. At one point he was crouched down with her in front of him, paws on his knees and giving him kisses while I was draped over the back of him, encouraging her to give him wet willies. It was too funny. We do love him.

We went for a walk in the darkness. And it is so dark up where we live, few streetlights and not many houses. We went up to the back field and it isn't far off the road that you can't see anything at your feet. And when we got to the top of the hill, we looked back at the twinkling lights and stars, a billion stars, bright and crispy cold. I think stars prefer the winter because they can really twinkle more effectively in the cold air.

We then walked down to the River. And it was once again an exercise in trust. Trust that the road would be just where you expected it to be, trust that you wouldn't stumble in the darkness. Because it is really dark along the trail at night. I suppose some people might be freaked out but somehow it's okay when I've got my boyfriend and my dog with me. I felt safe with the darkness all around me, the crisp air and the crunching of what is that classic crunchy winter frozen ground and leaves underfoot. The smell of woodsmoke drifts in and out of the walk, a gentle reminder that there will be warmth when you get home.

I have a wonderful new coat supplied by work. My very own Carhartt coat. I don't know why but I've wanted one for a while now. It's such a "construction man" sort of coat. But it's toasty warm and fits like a dream. And I am so proud to be a part of this team that is my career.

As we walked in the cold of a November night, I felt my legs and bum getting chilled. It is another classic winter thing isn't it? That sensation on your legs as you walk - it feels cold and it kind of hurts and it tingles. I don't know what else it is like, except what it is.

We spoke of many things as we walked. Of fitting our schedules together as the weekends fill with Christmas parties and planning. Of the challenges I face as a single parent fitting my schedule with my ex's and keeping the Boy's life happy. Hockey games. Work and life. Parents. Christmas.

We met another dog as we walked. Honey doesn't like him for some reason. She wouldn't even come over when I was patting him. She snarled and growled at him. He's a nice dog too. He must swear at her through the window when she is outside - he is a neighbour. Dogs can be so funny.

We arrived back home and cuddled on the couch. We drank green tea and ate stolen Halloween candy. We giggled over silly bits on the TV. Then we found time for one more bit of enveloping darkness together in a much warmer place. And after he had gone and Honey and I were drifting off in the final darkness of another day, I was thankful to God for all the gifts I've been given.

And I surrendered to the last bit of enveloping darkness of my day.

Honey's Future Grandson's Half Sister

2006-11-21T11:56:00.000-08:00

Well since it's pretty much official and public knowledge, I have to brag Since there is no way on anyone's green Earth I am ever having another child, we've decided to have a puppy.

Lily, Honey's daughter, has a planned breeding in the spring with Chief (see below).

So we are getting a little boy puppy to round out the asylum.

My friend just sent me a picture of the proposed puppy's half-sister...how cute is she? Three weeks old and just opening her eyes. Awwww.

34 Days Until Christmas!

2006-11-21T06:38:00.000-08:00

dogs & bikes & music & friends & food

2006-11-20T05:33:00.000-08:00

We wish weekends were three days long, that you could get more sleep and still do so much more fun stuff. That cuddles on couches were longer than doing mundane things that somehow fill our lives.

Friday night was warm and wet and the boyfriend & I went to Asia Beef Noodle for a yummy supper before a concert. I've eaten there many times now but he hadn't so I wanted it to be perfect. And it was! He really liked the food and the service was good. We had spring rolls and rice paper rolls and then the Special Thai Curry served in half a pineapple. It was all so good. And we want to go back for their famous trough o' soup.

The concert was a surprise of sorts. BF's parents gave us the tickets as they had to be out of town. The artist was J.P Cormier and he was really awesome. He plays stringed instruments like nothing I've ever seen. I'm not an admitted fan of bluegrass but I really enjoyed the concert. It was nice. When it was over, we trotted back to my place and BF took Honeydog for a walk. We watched a little tube, football and then some of Showcase's "Friday Without Borders." Resulting then in awkward moment followed by decision to go to bed. :)

Saturday AM dawned clear and cooler. And the planned bike ride was a go. Yikes - November 18 and I'm going to do *what*? I pulled on my warmest biking clothes, pumped up my tires, lubed my chain and took a quick side trip to Radical Edge to get Brian to fix my temperamental rear brakes.

48 km of fun. No really! It was a nice ride, a little chilly but invigorating. There were 6 of us riding too. And I now have 1909 km for the season - I sort of feel like someone should make a bigger deal of this than has been made. I'm pretty impressed that I rode that much in my first season!

We went to Sunshine Diner for breakfast after to counteract any positive effect all that exercise may have had!

I got home around 1:30 and Vince's mum had called & left a message asking us to go to the woodlot and play. Of course we said yes but first I had to bathe. It was a fabulous day for walking too. The pups had a blast. Vince is just the cutest guy-dog - he so wants Honey to play with him. And you can't help but laugh when the two of them get doing the whole tug o'war thing with the Kong. It's so nice to have friends to do stuff with too. I don't think there is anything better for the soul than walking in the woods with your pups talking about stuff and just enjoying life.

After we dropped Vince & his mum off, Honey & I went to visit BF. He gave her a big bowl of water for which she was grateful and made me a cup of tea. We vegged for a while, watching football and just chatting. BF, darling that he is, then offered to make supper for me, one of his divine stir fries. Of course I said yes. I lay on the couch while he was in the kitchen chopping. I provided a play-by-play of the Ohio-Michigan game but then discovered that it is very difficult to follow a football game with your eyes closed! All that fresh air and exercise caught up with me! I was so tired I didn't even finish my supper (this is highly unusual!).

BF plays hockey Saturday nights so Honey & I went home and cuddled on the couch and watched the rest of the football game before going to bed.

Sunday was my first official singing in the choir. I was so tickled to be invited back by Willis and I felt so pleased to be able to worship that way again. It's a busy season for being in a choir though and the music is challenging. I am so psyched!

Sunday afternoon was that lovely combination of lazy and efficient. I went to Scoop & Save, Superstore & Sobey's for groceries and stuff. Then BF, Honey & I went to the Woodlot for a walk. Then back to my place where BF & I made Pad Thai. And amazingly, we are still together! :) Tricky dish and loads of work involved. But we were a great team. We'll have to make it again for sure, maybe even have friends over. It was totally yummy. I also bought ingredients for a Thai curry dish - I'm looking forward to that as well.

Well blabbitty blah blah blah! Loads of words. Happy little babble from my little corner of humanity and the dog park.

The UNB Woodlot ROCKS!!

2006-11-14T05:47:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Honey's boyfriend Vince and his people introduced us to the wonders of the UNB woodlot. It's fabulous - loads and loads of roads winding through the woods with little or no motorized vehicle traffic, no hunters and lots of cool, well-trained dogs to meet.

Honey just goes and goes - just like the Energizer Bunny. There's a couple of open water bits good for swimming too. She has so much fun with Vincey - the two of them really seem to enjoy it. And it's great exercise for all of us.

Hopefully Vincey will post some of his pictures from this past Saturday on his dog-blog.

Yesterday afternoon we returned sans Vince (and it simply wasn't the same) but with the human boyfriend and the boy. We had a nice walk albeit a little damp. Honey was beat by the time we got home. She's so cute when she curls up in a little ball like this and goes to sleep. In the top photo I think she looks sort of like a BushBaby too. :)

Red, red wine you make me feel so fine...

2006-11-06T04:18:00.000-08:00

Friday night I had a most enjoyable time with our friends A & J, and their faithful companion, Honey's boydog Vince. We consumed some great wines, somewhat appropriately named...well look at the pictures above and see the labels - doncha just love it!

Unfortunately the boyfriend was not in a very sporting mood resulting in a contretemps that did not get resolved until Sunday afternoon. The picture below that says it all...

Thank goodness I love him or I'd have to pummel him senseless. He's stubborn and will remain so. I've asked him not to leave mad again because I can love him when he's stubborn but it's harder when he's angry.

I WANT A PUPPY!!!

2006-11-02T12:15:00.000-08:00

Oh damn. I'm having serious puppy cravings. It's all the boyfriend's fault really - he gave me a card telling me I was cuter than a basketful of Golden Retriever puppies. (see photo in blog below) And a friend just got a Nova Scotia Duck Toller puppy.

And Honey's daughter will be having a litter next year! I can reserve one and get a good price.

I WANT A PUPPY!!! :)

Trick or Treating - Pirate or Rasta?

2006-11-02T04:57:00.000-08:00

Which suits our Honey-dog more? She's such a good sport about this stuff.

Has it really been a year?

2006-11-02T04:52:00.000-08:00

Halloween was sort of an anniversary for our boyfriend making a longterm appearance in our lives. Last year our first real date was a Halloween party. This year we planned a celebration of our own - something quiet and romantic. He's so wonderful. :-)

63 Days Until Christmas!

2006-10-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

Happiness is...

2006-10-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

snoozing in mum's lap after a long day.

Glamour Shots - Work It Baby.

2006-10-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

Last weekend's vacation

2006-10-21T10:31:00.000-07:00

Well Vince & Honey finally got their weekend "alone" - well not really alone but a whole wonderful weekend together with two ferry rides, lots of outside play time, running on the beach, hikes and even a good session of WWE-style wrestling. It was great for both of them and Honey got to have some quality "Oh yeah - I'm a dog!" time too.

We headed over to Grand Manan early last Saturday - two couples, two dogs, two cars and lots of good food, good wine and anticiipation of good fun. And we had a ball from watching the dogs frolic on the ferry, to discovering the best little spot to stay on Grand Manan, to a fabulous hike at Hole in the Wall and then a wonderful supper. The meals were spot on, the hikes were great, our "tour-guide" was fantastic and we had a ball with great little walkie talkies. It was sublime.

In the accompanying shot, look at Honey's fangs - she became really jealous of poor old Vincey who took it all in stride and, like most men, simply ignored her moodier moments!

From here to eternity - Honey & Vince on the Beach

2006-10-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

I don't see much difference between these two classic romantic shots - do you?

One of those days...

2006-10-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

Okay girls - how many of us ever feel this way?

Things to be not so thankful for

2006-10-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was not a happy follow-up to a wonderful Monday...things that contribute to feeling less that happy about life:

kong-shaped, giant dog poop on the living room carpet when you get up in the morning
alarm clocks that don't wake you up
losing your sunglasses (or worse knowing that someone must have taken them because you can't imagine where else they could be)
disagreements with people you care about
the sound of a dog having diarrhea in the dark on a long walk...
cold fingers & toes

I hate going from peak to trough - it really sucks.

Things to be thankful for

2006-10-09T15:56:00.001-07:00

Hikes in Fundy National Park. 4 hours total hiking including the Laverty Falls - Moosehorn Loop. Outstanding autumn day - the leaves were beautiful and the temperature perfect.
Hanging out at home on a Sunday with nothing to do and nowhere to go.
Thanksgiving Dinner with wonderful people whom you are lucky to know because they are related to your boyfriend who is also exceptional.
65 km bike rides on a perfect Indian Summer day. You can't beat 25 degrees C on Thanksgiving Monday with light winds and a nicely rolling ride.
Asia Beef Noodle - Fredericton's fabulous Vietnamese/Thai restaurant.
Wonderful friends.
A charming son who makes us so proud.
Cuddling the boyfriend on the couch watching hockey and football.

We often take so much for granted and yet it is the little constant things in life, the things that we can count on that truly bring contentment. Our home is blessed with so many things - food and warmth, laughter and love. We are all so lucky.

The boys are back

2006-10-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

Well actually technically only one boy is really "back". My boy came back from his dad's yesterday. It's so nice to have the boy back. He is a nice boy, quiet and he loves me and I like to lick him. And he drops food while he is eating.

As previously reported, the boyfriend had a sleepover Saturday night. That was super nice. He even took me for a walk at midnight when he came back from the party he took Mum to. He is so good to me.

I on the other hand, gave him the scare of his life on Saturday night. He took me for a walk up to the big field and threw the Kong a few times. And then I spotted a big deer and the deer ran so I ran and ran and ran and ran. When the boyfriend reached the edge of the field/forest, he stopped to listen and he couldn't hear a thing - no jiggling collar, no thrashing of dog or deer in the woods. I did come back - I don't know what his problem was - I got into big trouble though.

Sunday Mum was moving pretty slowly. She made waffles for breakfast and then we went to fetch the boy. Then the boy had to go to volunteer at the Run for the Cure and mum took me to the racetrack for a run. Then she went home for a nap.

We had sirloin roast beef for supper and our boyfriend came over too.

Peanut butter rice crispie squares with chocolate are supposedly really good - everyone got to eat them but poor Honey - why won't they share with me!

Editor's note: Daily Planet http://www.discoverychannel.ca/dailyplanet/ had a spot on intelligent dogs and gave a couple of tests. We've generally come to the conclusion that Honey is beautiful. This is after multiple attempts at doggy intelligence testing.

We really like Mythbusters too http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/mythbusters/mythbusters.html
Those guys are nuts!

88 Days Until Christmas!

2006-09-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

Swimming with the Stars

2006-09-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo - Mum was home all night tonight! No Scouts, no appointments, just hanging with the Honey-dog! We got to go for an awesome walk along the River. I almost got to run after a squirrel but Mum clipped that pesky leash back on and kept me close until we got to the riverside. I got a great swim. It was a gorgeous night for late September.

Mum is still getting over that crappy cold. I feel badly for her but she hasn't been out on her bike which sucks for her but it's great for me!

The boy got into the Christmas Carol production at school and he is going to be Tiny Tim! He wanted to be the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come but we think this is a way better role!

Weekend is coming and a good party is planned (for Mum!). There will be the Harvest Jazz & Blues Volunteer appreciation party and mum is going with our boyfriend. And she says he'll be over for a sleepover! Hooray! He's so awesome - she might not get up Sunday morning but *he* will!

Would you like "catch-up" with those fries?

2006-09-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

It must be time to "catch-up"! We don't know where the time has gone - well actually we do know. Between the Tour de Grand Lake 138 km bike ride on September 9th and the Harvest Jazz & Blues festival from September 14th to 17th to Cub Camp this past weekend, life has been *crazy*!!

Honey doesn't like September - school is back in session which means life at home is more crazy and stressful than usual. The good news is though that the boy gets home from school on the bus at about 3:45 and lets her out sooner than having to wait for Mum at 5:00.

The boy has started all his after-school stuff - church choir, band, he got into the Christmas Production at school and he is in Scouts. Curling starts in October - no idle time for the boy!

Mum is back at being a Cub Leader but since there is a boy who is afraid of dogs in the Cub Pack, Honey's contact may be limited. This is too bad because she loves doing Scouting things and most of the rest of the kids adore having her there.

We are planning a camping weekend in October with Honey's boyfriend Vince and his people. It should be lots of fun.

We all love the camp

2006-08-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

Honey loves the camp and this picture says it all!

It's been a busy week. The boy went to St. Andrews on Tuesday with his friend. Mum worked but then took advantage of absent boy to bike with the Freewheelers - 50 km Burton loop. It was a fabulous evening and a great ride.

Wednesday evening was not great for Honey. Mum was at a Harvest Jazz & Blues http://www.harvestjazzandblues.com/index.php bar services meeting so Honey didn't get out for a good walk and the boy was at his dad's. We did have a good Kong throwing session as the sun was setting though.

Tonight will be another meeting for mum - this time for Rivorton Scouts http://www.scoutsrivorton.com/index.php as Mum is on the Marketing committee. The boy will be home though.

Easy Like Sunday Morning

2006-08-20T05:49:00.000-07:00

It's a slow Sunday morning. It started to rain sometime in the night and the forecast says heavy rain today. Thank goodness yesterday was nice - we went to the camp and hung out with the boyfriend and the boy. it was a lovely afternoon. Mum was complaining about being more tired than usual - she biked 70 km in the morning. When she got back home, she made lunch for herself and the boy.

And then she made yummy homemade guacamole - or at least I think it was yummy because they were mean and didn't share. They even offered it to the boy who didn't like it but they never offered any to the attractive and fetching Golden Retriever who is game to try anything...

It was a great day for hanging out and swimming. I was so wiped out that I slept in until 8:00! Mum cuddled with me a bit on the bed and then she let me out.

Not much going on around here today. I guess we'll just lounge around and relax.

Avast you scurvy dog!

2006-08-18T12:23:00.000-07:00

Honey is awesome because she is always game for dressing up and acting out new roles.

It's FRIDAY!!

2006-08-18T04:52:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo! Nothing we all like better than the weekend. Mum has been biking too much this week though - it really interferes with quality doggy time. Tuesday she biked the Penniac loop with its wicked hill and Thursday she biked the Waasis loop which was easier and pretty fast. 95 km total for those two days - way to go mum!

My boyfriend, or I guess more correctly *our* boyfriend came by for a visit Wednesday evening. He is so good to me - takes me for walks, gives me treats and he has a camp right on a Lake - how awesome is that?

The boy will be coming back to our place tonight. He's been with his dad all week. He's great to have around. I like to show my doggy dominance over him although he is getting bigger and firmer with me. I think maybe I may have to relinquish superiority over him if he keeps this up.

I think mum said she's going biking in the morning with the Fredericton Freewheelers .. Rats - I was looking forward to a nice relaxing morning, maybe a walk or drive to the Market. Oh well - at least the boy will be home with me